Martinez Fischer’s HB 99 would change arrests of suspected drunken drivers with a blood alcohol level of 0.16 — or twice the legal limit — from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor. He first filed the bill in 2009, when it was passed in the house but didn’t have quite enough support in the senate.

“We do not have a lot to be proud of in terms of our DWI statistics in Texas,” Martinez Fischer said Thursday. “I’m optimistic: the environment is a little different, and I’m working persuasion on a couple of members in the senate.”

Martinez Fischer shares an office suite in Austin with State Rep. Todd Smith (R-Bedford), who filed two bills regarding drunken drivers that also gained council support this week. One is regarding ignition interlock devices for first-time DWI offenders, and the other would establish DWI checkpoints.

While in general, Martinez Fischer says he supports legislation that addresses drinking and driving, he’s a little more cautious about supporting checkpoints.

He might support a checkpoint bill, “Providing that there are ample constitutional protections in place to make sure people’s liberties aren’t infringed upon,” Martinez Fischer said.